Voters approve separation of at-large races

A debate that divided the City Council was put to the people on Tuesday and now the Crescent City has changed the way it elects at-large council members.

Starting in 2014, the two at-large city council seats will be elected separately.

Voters approved a charter change -- 68 to 32 percent that requires the two at-large seats be voted on independently.

Candidates will have to choose which of the two seats they are running for and will have get at least 50 percent of the vote.

"It can only create more voter confidence and instill in voters more of a belief they had a say," campaign strategist Greg Buisson said.

For the past 50 years, at-large candidates have only needed 25 percent of the total votes to be elected. Now campaign strategist say voters are ready to have a more direct say in who is elected.

"This is basically how must jurisdictions select their at-large, so we're not doing anything extraordinary or different," University of New Orleans political analyst Ed Chervenak said.

Some said they believe there are racial undertones to the change and that the new system was proposed to increase the likelihood certain candidates would be elected.

Chervanek said it merely challenges candidates to appeal to all races.

"Given the fact that we have a much more racially balanced electorate today you have to build bridges to become elected today," Chervenak said.

Candidates will now have to decide which seat they want to run for and political consultants said that means "some" wait and see what other candidates decide to pursue before making their own declaration.

Both political analysts WDSU spoke with said in the end, the city will have to wait until 2014 before any real assessment of the amendment will affect the makeup of the council.

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